The iconic family-owned Haigh’s Chocolates will officially end a century of waiting for local fans by establishing a permanent retail home in Chermside.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
For over a century, fans of the family-owned brand in Queensland have had to wait for interstate trips or postal deliveries to enjoy their favourite sweets. This shift to a physical presence comes after the company noticed that Brisbane residents already make up 18 per cent of all their online sales.
Because the local demand is so high, the business decided to fast-track its move into the Sunshine State. While the Chermside location is a major highlight for the northside, the expansion actually includes three different spots across the city to make sure everyone has easy access to their products.
Boosting the Local Economy
The first shop is scheduled to welcome customers at Westfield Mt Gravatt in August 2026. Shortly after that debut, the Chermside and Carindale locations will finish the trio of openings before the year ends. This move is not just about sweets; it is also a win for the local workforce.
The company expects to hire about 75 people to staff these new branches within the first few months. Those looking for work can prepare to apply soon, as the official recruitment process is set to begin this April.
Growing to Meet Demand
To make this expansion possible, the business has been busy upgrading its behind-the-scenes operations. According to chief executive Peter Millard, the company has increased its chocolate-making capacity from 1,100 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes per year.
This growth is supported by a brand-new production and fulfilment centre in South Australia. Former leader Alister Haigh, who represents the fourth generation of the founding family, noted that this is a major milestone for the business as it grows its reach across the eastern seaboard.
Maintaining Tradition
Even as it grows larger, the company remains focused on the traditional methods that earned it a loyal following since 1915. They use a “bean-to-bar” process, which means they control every step of making the chocolate from the raw cocoa beans. They also prioritise using ingredients that are sourced ethically. By the time the Brisbane rollout is finished, there will be 26 of these specialty shops operating across Australia, including existing sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Adelaide.
Published Date 31-March-2026
